Overview

• Sebastian Coe, candidate for IOC president, endorsed Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, citing the importance of biological distinctions in competition.
• Coe emphasized that maintaining the integrity of women’s sports is critical to ensuring fair opportunities for female athletes at all levels.
• World Athletics, under Coe’s leadership, plans to introduce cheek swab testing to verify biological eligibility for female categories in elite sports.
• Coe expressed willingness to consider Russia’s return to international sports if a peace agreement in Ukraine satisfies all parties involved.
• He stated he would be open to discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing dialogue as a key to resolving international sports issues.